Kayak Portland's mission is to unite the diverse group of paddlers in the Portland Metro area while emphasizing Safety, Camaraderie, Stewardship, and Awareness in an organized group.

Participants MUST Read! By joining and paddling with Kayak Portland it is assumed that you Agree to the safety DISCLAIMER below.

Dear Kayakers/Paddlers,

Welcome to Kayak Portland! If you've been looking for a welcoming, inclusive group to paddle your kayak, canoe, or SUP with, you've found it! We consist of skill levels from beginner to expert and we’re here to share our knowledge, have fun, and share some very unique experiences on the Oregon/Washington waterways, while promoting safety, camaraderie, and stewardship.

As the Organizer of Kayak Portland, my biggest goal is to create an atmosphere of safe and fun events in which every member can grow in their skills while enjoying the company of others year round. We live in a place that encompasses such diverse types of water in so many different and beautiful settings, it's fantastic to use and share our group knowledge with each other to learn about them. Because our weather here in the northwest is generally mild, we do paddle year round with proper equipment, but notice that we’ll also be posting ‘pool sessions’ throughout the colder months so you can continue to have the opportunity to improve your skills even if you don’t want to brave the elements and colder winter water temperatures. The side benefits to our events, indoors and out, are the friendships that develop between members, and we try to accommodate those with ‘after-paddle’ camaraderie at local restaurants so we encourage you to attend those too.

It’s also important to know that Kayak Portland is an open group and depends upon all of us to keep it going strong. I encourage you to think about places you want to paddle or share with the group and then either host an event, ask myself or the assistant organizers to host the event, or place it in the ‘suggested meet-up’ section. Hosting is not hard, and we can help you with the details, so please ask if you’d like to try it! We’ll support you as much as you need. A reminder that only actual paddling events are posted on our main event page, though, so if you'd like to share something happening in the community with our group I ask that you post it on the discussion board and it will be emailed to all members.

What being an open group means:if 3 people agree to "suggest-a-meet-up" then the meet-up will automatically happen and can be edited by the attendees. Please note that myself or the assistant organizers check through each event description to make sure important and relevant details are there, so don't feel offended if we fix spelling, maps, or details that we think might make it more clear. We will contact the event organizer before making any major edits. Also, please note that each Event Organizer has the right to ask a paddler/s to NOT paddle with the group if they feel that person/s is willfully acting in a way that is a danger to the group. We take safety seriously and want everyone to feel comfortable.

***We are happy to have members in our group who also happen to be employees at each of the kayaking/gear stores in the metro area. That said, even if an event has the store name in the event description, please remember that these are ultimately free Kayak Portland events and the stores and their employees in no way have any liability during paddles. (See the liability waiver below.)

Please read the electronic and legally reviewed waiver that protects all members as well as leaders from any coincidental or accidental occurrences which could render liability for creating, participating, or attending a meet-up. Kayaking, as any water sport, has inherent dangers, and as paddlers we need to respect and acknowledge these. Basically in short; take care of others as you would yourself and learn about and use proper equipment.

Again, welcome to Kayak Portland and I look forward to meeting you at an event soon!

~ Julie

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO JOINING:

Participation in any KAYAK PORTLAND event implies that you have read, understand, and agree with, the groups entire "About Us" page. Per the Electronic Records and Signatures in Commerce Act, Public Law 106-229, by joining this group, you agree to all the terms listed.

Our Philosophy:

KAYAK PORTLAND is a non-professional meet-up group that only provides a way for you to connect with others who enjoy kayaking and associated activities. Think of KAYAK PORTLAND as a group of new and old friends getting together for fun and mostly our brand of fun is called kayaking. KAYAK PORTLAND is not a professional adventure organization or outfitter operation.

Kayaking can be physically and mentally demanding. Kayaking can involve significant risks and hazards, such as collision with power boats, hypothermia, joint or trauma injuries and even drowning. Injury, both personal and property, may occur while traveling to or fromKAYAK PORTLANDActivity. All participants in a Kayak Portland activity - you, family members and guests - by participation in a Kayak Portland activity, acknowledge awareness of the risks, foreseen and unforeseen, which are inherent in each meet-up's activities and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activity. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death from participation in or travel to and from the activity.

Disclaimer:

This meet-up group and its organizers does not, in any way, claim to be professionals or otherwise licensed, certified, trained, etc. to provide any service. Any certifications or training by members, organizer, assistants-organizers, members or leaders are solely independent from the group, whether expressed or not; and cannot be held liable through posting events via Meetup. KAYAK PORTLAND activity organizers are not trained in extensive emergency medical procedures. Since most activities occur on the water, by participating in a KAYAK PORTLAND activity you are acknowledging that you are aware and understand that in the event of a serious medical emergency, treatment may be multiple hours, up to days, away. Kayaking, and other posted events asKAYAK PORTLANDare inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By RSVP'ing, signing up for an event, joiningKAYAK PORTLANDas a member you are agreeing that you are waiving any and all legal or civil rights for responsibility to the Organizer and any other members within the group.KAYAK PORTLANDand it's organizers, assistant organizers, trip leaders, and other members, are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for anyKAYAK PORTLANDevents, you are releasingKAYAK PORTLAND, it's organizers and members from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.